Anastacia Undergoes Double Mastectomy

Singer Anastacia has revealed that she underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in 10 years.

“I wanted to share something with you in light of Breast Cancer Awareness month,” she wrote on her Facebook page. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time earlier this year and am currently in the final stages of recovery after undergoing a double mastectomy with Latissimus Dorsi flap surgical procedure.

“It has been an intense journey, but I am feeling great and ready to start the next chapter,” she continued. “Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives ALL who are facing this disease a chance to gain strength and support from each other. Early detection saved my life twice.”

Anastacia (full name: Anastacia Lyn Newkirk), 45, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. She had gone to the doctor for breast reduction surgery.

“I saved my own life just because I wanted to reduce my breast size,” Anastacia said 10 years ago, aged 35. “I didn’t have breast cancer in my family. I didn’t have a lump in my breast. This would not have been detected with a self-exam.”

The singer became a vocal advocate for mammograms. “If there’s anything I’ve learned from this, it’s to get a mammogram early.”